Modlife

Last updated
Modlife
Type of site
 Social network, live broadcast, music network, content hosting
Available in English
Owner Tom DeLonge
URL Modlife
Advertising Banner ads
RegistrationOptional
LaunchedNovember 2007 (beta)
June 2008 (full launch)
Current statusInactive

Modlife was a company owned by musician Tom DeLonge that used a customizable software platform to monetize the numerous aspects of a creative artist's work. Founded in 2007, Modlife created new revenue streams for content creators by rewarding fans with special products and experiences, including a high level of interactivity between artists and fans. [1] In June 2014, the company was based in San Diego, California, United States.

Contents

History

Following the introduction of file-sharing technology—including Napster at inception—DeLonge and his Blink-182 bandmates were considering a "plan B" in regard to generating income from their music. The band's 1999 album, Enema of the State, had sold one million copies within two months of its release, but DeLonge explained in 2014: "Napster was just hitting and the epicenter of our fan base was suburbia where everyone had the newest Apple computer." [2]

Then, in May 1999, DeLonge launched the Loserkids.com online retailer that promoted and monetized the lifestyle that was strongly associated with Blink-182 and its large number of fans. In 2014, the company explains that it sells "relevant action sports and music influenced brands online."

In 2005, DeLonge met Joe Brisbois [3] to develop the idea of making an interactive video game based on Angels & Airwaves music. In addition to the video game concept, the two explored a variety of other ideas including what eventually became Modlife. Modlife was launched in 2007 and, by this time, album sales were not providing a substantial income for musicians, while third-party distributors involved in the sale of concert tickets and merchandise were not overcoming the issue due to their sales percentages. [4] DeLonge's initial intention was to use Modlife to launch the To The Stars concept, which was described in 2014 as a "transmedia" company that works in different media formats, including books, music and film. However, To The Stars was not launched until March 2014. [5]

Following its inception, Modlife signed numerous prominent artists to its roster that, in 2014, includes Kanye West, Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails, as well as DeLonge's own musical projects, Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves. [6] Angels & Airwaves used the platform to further monetize a 2012 tour, [7] whereby the band sold VIP packages for fans that doubled the income they received. In December 2014, DeLonge reported that direct-to-consumer multimedia packages sold via Modlife contributes 40 percent of revenue from each new Angel and Airwaves release. [2]

Pearl Jam used Modlife to sell concert tickets directly to the members of its fan club, Ten Club, and used a lottery system provided by DeLonge's platform. The American tour promotion company, Live Nation, developed its own version of Modlife after witnessing the Pearl Jam experience. [2]

After the launch of To The Stars was announced, DeLonge explained in a June 2014 interview that his new company was informed by the Modlife experience, and serves to fill a gap that became evident:

That [To The Stars] was me asking how you can monetize the arts because the music is free. We figured out by blending physical and digital products together, you're going to download the album but you still want the limited edition poster and the vinyl together. When we did that with Modlife, we had a good handle on what the business would be but not the art. [8]

As of February 2017, the Modlife website is now defunct. [9]

Services

In December 2014, Modlife was described by the company on its website in the following manner:

[A] customizable, direct-to-consumer technology that delivers a complete set of tools that seamlessly integrate a multi-level online business model. With our single account management system, both clients and customers alike can easily manage their online experience with a single login across multiple channels.

The platform offers the following services:

User sites

In November 2008, the company launched "usersites," which allow registered users to create their own microsites within Modlife. Each user can design their own page, post blogs, photos and videos, add friends, and communicate with other fans. Usersites also have a "Top Ten" section, where they add their favorite pieces of content from anywhere on Modlife, and recommend site content to friends.

Roster

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Date (Blink-182 song)</span> 2001 single by Blink-182

"First Date" is a song recorded by American rock band Blink-182 for their fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). It was released as the second single from the album on October 8, 2001. It was written primarily by guitarist Tom DeLonge, with additional songwriting credit to bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Travis Barker. "First Date" centers on the awkwardness and complicated emotions two individuals can experience upon initial meeting. DeLonge based the song on memories of his initial courtship with then-spouse Jennifer Jenkins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom DeLonge</span> American rock musician (born 1975)

Thomas Matthew DeLonge is an American musician best known as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and guitarist of the rock band Blink-182. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Angels & Airwaves, which he formed in 2005 after his first departure from Blink-182. DeLonge is noted for his distinctive nasal singing voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">+44 (band)</span> American rock band

+44 was an American rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles, California in 2005. The group consisted of vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker of Blink-182, lead guitarist Shane Gallagher of The Nervous Return, and rhythm guitarist Craig Fairbaugh of Mercy Killers. Hoppus and Barker created +44 shortly after the initial 2005 breakup of Blink-182 and before it was later reformed. The band's name refers to the international dialing code of the United Kingdom, the country where the duo first discussed the project. Early recordings were largely electronic in nature, and featured vocals by Carol Heller, formerly of the all-girl punk quartet Get the Girl.

<i>We Dont Need to Whisper</i> Studio album by Angels & Airwaves

We Don't Need to Whisper is the debut studio album by the American rock band Angels & Airwaves. Recorded at Neverpants Ranch in San Diego, California, and produced by guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, the album was released on May 23, 2006, through Geffen Records. In February 2005, DeLonge, who wanted to spend more time with his family, quit Blink-182 after months of heated exchanges and increasing tension within the trio and spent three weeks in isolation, contemplating his life, career, and future in music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Adventure</span> 2006 single by Angels & Airwaves

"The Adventure" is a song recorded by American rock band Angels & Airwaves. It was released on May 18, 2006, through Geffen Records, as the lead single from their debut studio album, We Don't Need to Whisper (2006). The song received increased attention when it aired on a Smallville trailer. After the season finale of Smallville aired, "The Adventure" climbed to #30 on Amazon. The track was also played in the crowd warm-up session before Barack Obama's presidential election rallies in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angels & Airwaves</span> American rock band

Angels & Airwaves is an American rock band, comprising lead vocalist/guitarist Tom DeLonge, guitarist David Kennedy, drummer Ilan Rubin, and bassist Matt Rubano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182</span> American punk rock band

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Their current and best-known lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker.

<i>Start the Machine</i> (film) 2008 American film

Start the Machine is a documentary that focuses on the break-up of Blink-182, the genesis of Angels & Airwaves, and the making of their debut album We Don't Need to Whisper. It was released on DVD on June 17, 2008. The film is named after the closing track on We Don't Need to Whisper.

<i>I-Empire</i> 2007 studio album by Angels & Airwaves

I-Empire is the second studio album by alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves. It was officially released worldwide on November 1, 2007 from the Angels & Airwaves website, where it was available for download. It was then released on CD on November 5 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and on November 6 in the United States and Canada. It is their first album to feature Matt Wachter on bass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182 in Concert</span> 2009–10 concert tour

Blink-182 in Concert was the tenth concert tour by American rock band Blink-182 and was the band's first tour since 2004. Bassist/singer Mark Hoppus jokingly referred to the tour as One Way Ticket to Boneville, a name they got from a fan on a KROQ interview. In 2009, it ranked 32nd on Pollstar's "Top 50 Tours in North America", earning over $25 million.

<i>Love</i> (Angels & Airwaves album) 2010 studio album by Angels & Airwaves

Love is the third studio album by the alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves. It was released on February 12, 2010, on Fuel TV, and on February 14 on Modlife. The album was released free of charge due to "corporate underwriting". A "special edition" hard copy version of the album was scheduled for release on March 22, 2011, along with a second disc containing new music from the band. This was announced at a Q & A for the movie, which stated that it would be delayed to fall 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up All Night (Blink-182 song)</span> 2011 single by Blink-182

"Up All Night" is a song by American rock band Blink-182, released on July 14, 2011 as the lead single from the group's sixth studio album, Neighborhoods (2011). The song was the band's first single following a four-year hiatus. It was the first song the trio created upon their reformation in February 2009. Although the band wanted to release the track as a digital single in July 2009, they quickly decided it was too ambitious to complete before their fall reunion tour. The track generally grew heavier over the course of two-year recording process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box Car Racer</span> American punk band

Box Car Racer was an American punk band formed in San Diego, California, in 2001. The group consisted of guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker, both of Blink-182 alongside guitarist David Kennedy of Hazen Street. Anthony Celestino later joined the band as a bassist. DeLonge created the project to pursue darker ideas he felt unsuited to his work with Blink-182.

<i>Neighborhoods</i> (Blink-182 album) 2011 studio album by Blink-182

Neighborhoods is the sixth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released September 27, 2011, through DGC Records and Interscope. Their first album of new material in eight years, its recording followed the band's breakup and later reconciliation. Due to conflicts within the trio, the band entered an "indefinite hiatus" in 2005 and the members explored various side-projects. After two separate tragedies regarding the band and their entourage, the members of Blink-182 decided to reunite in late 2008, with plans for a new album and tour. It was the last studio album to feature founding member Tom DeLonge until his return on 2023's One More Time....

<i>To the Stars... Demos, Odds and Ends</i> 2015 studio album by Tom DeLonge

To the Stars... Demos, Odds and Ends is the debut studio album by Tom DeLonge. It was released on April 21, 2015 through DeLonge's multimedia company also titled To the Stars. The album To the Stars is said to contain tracks from DeLonge's "personal stash", which include songs originally intended to be recorded with Blink-182, as well as tracks originally meant for Angels & Airwaves. The eight-song album was released on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

<i>Chasing Shadows</i> (EP) 2016 EP by Angels & Airwaves

Chasing Shadows is the third EP by American alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves, released on April 8, 2016, through To the Stars. Similar to the ...Of Nightmares EP, Chasing Shadows is a companion piece to the first book in the Sekret Machines series, co-written by Tom DeLonge and A. J. Hartley. Along with the EP is a planned documentary series. It was the second EP released by the band following DeLonge's exit from Blink-182, whom he returned to in late 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebel Girl (Angels & Airwaves song)</span> 2019 single by Angels & Airwaves

"Rebel Girl" is a song by the American rock band, Angels & Airwaves. The song was released on April 30, 2019, as the first single for their album, Lifeforms, and is their first music release through Rise Records. The song was written by Tom DeLonge, Ilan Rubin, and Aaron Rubin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss & Tell (Angels & Airwaves song)</span> 2019 promotional single by Angels & Airwaves

"Kiss & Tell" is a song by the American rock band, Angels & Airwaves. The song was released on August 29, 2019, as a promotional single for the band's 2019 North American Tour, and appears as the final track on their sixth album, Lifeforms. The song was written by DeLonge, Ilan Rubin, and Aaron Rubin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">To the Stars (company)</span> American company

To the Stars... Academy of Arts & Sciences is a San Diego-based company co-founded by Tom DeLonge, guitarist of Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves; Harold E. Puthoff; and Jim Semivan. It is composed of aerospace, science, and entertainment divisions.

<i>Lifeforms</i> (Angels & Airwaves album) 2021 studio album by Angels & Airwaves

Lifeforms is the sixth studio album by American alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves. The album was released on September 24, 2021, and marks the longest gap between albums for the band following 2014's The Dream Walker. It is the band's first album with bassist Matt Rubano, who replaced Matt Wachter in 2019, and the first with guitarist David Kennedy since 2011's Love: Part Two.

References

  1. ↑ Modlife, Inc, "Modlife: Create, Connect, Control, Monetize." Modlife Informational Handout. August, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 Lauren Schwartzberg (8 December 2014). "HOW A MEMBER OF BLINK-182 IS SECRETLY CHANGING THE MUSIC BUSINESS". Fast Company. Monsueto Ventures. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Joe Brisbois Video Game Credits and Biography".
  4. ↑ What is Modlife?. YouTube . Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  5. ↑ "9 months ago" (Image upload). Tom DeLonge on Instagram. Instagram. March 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  6. ↑ "Clients". Modlife. Modlife Inc. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  7. ↑ "Angels And Airwaves". Songkick. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  8. ↑ Jon Ableson (June 2014). "ATP! Feature: Tom DeLonge talks To The Stars, Angels & Airwaves and becoming a Children's Author". Alter The Press. SpinMedia. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  9. ↑ http://modlife.com/ . Retrieved 27 February 2017.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ↑ "Services". Modlife. Modlife Inc. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  11. ↑ "Timmy Curran Launches Interactive Website on Modlife.com to Connect with Music and Surfing Fans" (Press release). Modlife. 2008-06-05. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  12. ↑ The Vault
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.